Back to Normal?

I suppose blogging is like anything else in that if you get into the habit of doing it regularly it becomes almost second nature. But start slipping out of that habit and it is easy to forget all about it. With all the disruption to our family life over the summer in one way or another, I've slipped out of the habit of blogging and it has started to feel like too much of an effort... just one more thing to have to think about. But I do miss it and especially miss that connection with fellow bloggers.

 

 

So as I start  to settle back into something of a more normal routine, so I hope I'll regain that blogging habit. Part of that "normal routine" has meant getting back to work and this past weekend I have spent a lovely few days with the ladies of the South Devon branch of the Embroiderer's Guild in Paignton.

You might be fooled into thinking that I was running a knitting class from the photo above but it was actually a machine embroidery class with fouteen very lovely ladies from the Guild.

 



 

And each one of them produced a beautiful little machine textured landscape. Most of them still needed some finishing off but I'm sure you'll agree they all did a brilliant job... especially as this is a class I usually teach over a couple of days.



 

The following day I came back to give a talk to the group and the ladies brought back their landscapes to show to those who weren't at the workshop. Liz had actually put hers (pictured above) into a frame and it looked fabulous.

 

Each one different and unique. Each one beautiful.

 

It was a lovely weekend and I was thoroughly spoiled.

I stayed with my friend Diana (pictured knitting on the left in the photo above) and her husband and was treated to some wonderful food, fabulous company and a mini tour of the area around Dartmouth where the scenery is quite stunning.

 

It's no wonder really that these little landscapes are so inspired when the ladies live in such a beautiful part of the country.

 

Everyone was so kind and welcoming and I was given such an enthusiastic reception to both my workshop and the talk, that it has done my self confidence the power of good.

 

Even before the summer I was having doubts about my work, about what I wanted to be doing next.

 

But this weekend has helped restore my confidence in what I do and I know I would miss teaching if I gave it all up.

 

 

So thank you ladies of the South Devon Embroiderer's Guild...

 

and thank you Diana and Les.

 

It's good to feel things getting back to "normal."